I Don't Initiate Playdates. Will My Child Suffer Socially?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:11 yo DS us very sociable and in several different circles due to school, club sports, and church. DH and I have very demanding jobs and outside obligations so planning and initiating playdates for DS is not a top priority. This summer I've noticed a significant increase in the number of invitations DS is receiving and injustice can't replicate it. However, I often see other parents complaining on this board that their invites aren't reciprocated. Will my DS end up getting socially isolated due to my inability to plan playdates? Should I start declining invites that I know I can't reciprocate?

I wish people would just be honest…you just don’t want to host play dates. Anytime someone says they are too busy or their jobs are too demanding it’s just an excuse for something they just don’t want to do.

It’s fine…but to say that you don’t have a couple hours available on a weekend day once per month to host 11 year olds (which don’t require tremendous supervision) is just nonsense.

Honestly, our house is too messy to host and I’m embarrassed to say that.

It doesn’t have to be at your house…ibut I gather you know that.

Yes, but anything out usually costs money and we are on a budget.

[Anonymous]

Also have a demanding job and am playing catch-up on weekends, so I don’t reciprocate a lot with my 10 year old. BUT I usually take time off for days when there’s on school and offer to host groups of her friends on those days, which I think is appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:11 yo DS us very sociable and in several different circles due to school, club sports, and church. DH and I have very demanding jobs and outside obligations so planning and initiating playdates for DS is not a top priority. This summer I've noticed a significant increase in the number of invitations DS is receiving and injustice can't replicate it. However, I often see other parents complaining on this board that their invites aren't reciprocated. Will my DS end up getting socially isolated due to my inability to plan playdates? Should I start declining invites that I know I can't reciprocate?

I wish people would just be honest…you just don’t want to host play dates. Anytime someone says they are too busy or their jobs are too demanding it’s just an excuse for something they just don’t want to do.

It’s fine…but to say that you don’t have a couple hours available on a weekend day once per month to host 11 year olds (which don’t require tremendous supervision) is just nonsense.

Honestly, our house is too messy to host and I’m embarrassed to say that.

It doesn’t have to be at your house…ibut I gather you know that.

Yes, but anything out usually costs money and we are on a budget.

That’s not true either. Plenty of free outings you could take kids.

What’s your next excuse?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also have a demanding job and am playing catch-up on weekends, so I don’t reciprocate a lot with my 10 year old. BUT I usually take time off for days when there’s on school and offer to host groups of her friends on those days, which I think is appreciated.

OP here, hat's a great idea! I hadn't thought of that.